- Most charter flights from Canada take place during the summer.
- Tickets are least expensive a couple days before the flight takes off as tour operators try to sell all of their seats.
- If your flight is landing at a smaller airport, understand your hotel and transportation options before landing.
- Air Transat and Central Mountain Air are the most popular charter flight options in Canada. They fly to the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States.
- Ask your travel agent or charter service about extra options before committing to your ticket.
Charter flights from Canada are available year-round. Flights can take travellers to the Caribbean and United States during the winter and Europe in the summer. Knowing when to book and what to look for can save you money when you’re searching for your next trip.
Most travellers understand how to book with a traditional airline, but many have not considered charter flights from Canada as an alternative. Charter flights are usually provided by tour operators who incorporate leased aircraft into their package deals for customers.
Savvy travellers can book seats online, often at a significant discount when compared to seats on scheduled flights from larger airlines. Since many charter flights fly directly to smaller airports, visitors to less busy destinations may be able to find direct flights not offered by the likes of Air Canada. A cheap flight that appears on a Skyscanner search may be a charter flight.
How Charter Flights Work
Most charter flights are arranged by travel agents that service a particular set of destinations. Packages can be linked to guided tours and hotel stays. Unlike domestic and international airlines flying regularly from Canadian airports, charter flights from Canada do not operate on fixed schedules each week.
Charter planes are occasionally smaller, and service can feel more personalised and tailored to your needs. Note that service packages are generally put together by travel agents, and you should check what amenities will be available in advance so you can be as prepared as possible.
If you want to save money, book one or two days before the flight’s scheduled departure. At these times, flight providers are often trying to fill remaining seats and offer them to the public at steep discounts.
Charter Flight Providers
Air Transat is the biggest charter flight provider in Canada. They specialise in European destinations in the summer and Florida and Caribbean locales for the winter. Air Transat operates out of Montreal and services London, Puerto Vallarta, Fort Lauderdale, and numerous other destinations.
In recent years, Air Transat has expanded their destinations to include Tel Aviv, Israel, and Athens, Greece. They also provide year-round flights between Montreal and Vancouver.
Central Mountain Air is another charter flight provider servicing Western Canada. CMA offers flights from 17 cities in British Columbia and Alberta. These destinations include Vancouver, Calgary, Prince George, Edmonton, and Campbell River.
Tips for Charter Flight Passengers
Unlike larger airlines, charter flights do not offer set amenities, and the tour provider is responsible for things like food, legroom, and other in-flight services. You should also check baggage allowances as this can differ greatly from a standard Air Canada flight.
The advantage of looking for charter flights from Canadian airportswith Skyscanner is that the bookings often offer great value. They also offer extra flights to popular destinations during high season and organise charter flights to coincide with school holidays.
